First Cub Experience, Austin TX

Sat Jan 14, 2012 11:06 pm

I wanted to introduce myself to the forum. I live in Austin, TX and I am having my first Cub experience. My father bought a Cub 25 years ago (or so) and I acquired it just over three years ago. It was running when I acquired it, but the tires were shot and it was in bad need of a clean up and paint. I have not had a reason to use the tractor, so it has sat around for the 3+ years I have had it. A friend of mine offered to help fix it up if he could use it to mow, so we recently tackled the job of getting it running. Unfortunately, I found out that the engine was locked up. What I had hoped would be a minor mechanical job and a major clean/paint job has turned into a major job in all respects. After taking off the exhaust manifold, I found that it had a large hole on the back side that allowed water into the engine. We are moving ahead with the rebuild and evaluating the extent of damage at every step. We got the valves out today. The exhaust valves were so hard to get out that I broke one of the heads off a valve. What I am finding is that this tractor has been treated badly over the years and the rust from the moisture is just one issue. I hope to get it assembled and running properly and to treat it the way it deserves. I have been spending a lot of time on this website and we couldn't have gotten the crankshaft pulley off without the information I got here. I have a lot to learn, but I can already see how easy it is to get the "old tractor bug". I've never done engine work in my life, and now I'm neck-deep in a teardown/rebuild. I have my grandfather's 1952 8N and I'm already thinking about tackling a ring/valve job on it. Thanks to everybody on this site that has spent all the time and energy providing information and resources for people like me.

Re: First Cub Experience, Austin TX

Sat Jan 14, 2012 11:25 pm

Cactusjack,

Welcome to the forum! Congratulations on obtaining your dad’s Cub!

Old tractor bug isn’t a bad thing.

Have fun with your Cub, take your time, one bolt at a time and you will have it purring again in no time.

Re: First Cub Experience, Austin TX

Sat Jan 14, 2012 11:35 pm

Welcome to the Forum!!As David said, take it slow and tackle one issue at a time and you'll be well on your way! Let us know if there is anything we can do to help.

Re: First Cub Experience, Austin TX

Sun Jan 15, 2012 12:53 am

G'day and :congrats: on taking over your Dad's Cub and getting it back in running condition. You may already have found them but just in case the original IH BRSM's that the IH dealers techs used are available on the server and that may be of help to you. There is also a lot of really great resources available to our members. Simply follow the links below and enjoy your journey, it will be a lot of fun and interesting.

Re: First Cub Experience, Austin TX

Sun Jan 15, 2012 4:56 am

Welcome to the forum. You've already spent considerable time on here so you also know posting pictures is an excellent way to get the Pro's to jump in and help you with any of your questions. Also, it looks like there will be a meet and great CubFest in Canton, Tx at a tractor show in April, I believe. A great way to meet a few folks. Good luck with your new, fond ventures.

Re: First Cub Experience, Austin TX

Sun Jan 15, 2012 10:31 am

Welcome to the forum, and I hope all goes well on the rebuild. Unless you are very experienced mechanics with machine shop experience you may want to think about either taking the engine to an automotive machine shop, or getting a used or rebuilt engine, There are several places they are available, including some of the sponsors of the forum. If you go the machine shop route, look for one in a rural area away from the city, and preferably owned by an older machinist, or maybe second generation. Also, if they do good work, and a reasonable rate, expect a wait.

Re: First Cub Experience, Austin TX

Sun Jan 15, 2012 11:03 am

Welcome to the forum. Enjoy the ride. GIG 'EM AGGIES!!!!

Bill (TAMU '78)

Re: First Cub Experience, Austin TX

Mon Jan 16, 2012 11:46 am

Cactusjack, W warm welcome from up here in NW Louisiana. There is another member that lives in Austin Ibakeforrust. You might want to send him a PM and get together.